Many scripture scholars identify (reasonably but not conclusively) Saint Bartholomew with Nathaniel, who was led to Christ by Saint Philip. The name Bartholomew means son of Tolmai, and it was given to the Saint in the same sense that “Bar-Yonah” was attached to Saint Peter. He was chosen by our Lord himself to be one of the twelve apostles.
According to Eusebius and other ancient writers, he preached the Gospel in the most barbarous countries of the East, penetrating as far as India. Eusebius recounts that when Saint Pantaenus, in the 3rd century, went to India, he still found knowledge of Christ in that country, and a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew in Hebrew was shown to him, which he was told had been brought there by Saint Bartholomew.
Saint John Chrysostom states that Saint Bartholomew brought the faith to the people of Lycaonia. According to Saint Gregory of Tours, the last field of his labors was Greater Armenia, where, preaching in a place stubbornly devoted to the worship of idols, he suffered martyrdom. Some say that he was flayed alive; by others that he underwent crucifixion, these two opinions being reconcilable. The relics of the Saint are preserved in the church of Saint Bartholomew on the island of Tiber near Rome.
PRAYER: God, strengthen in us this faith by which your Apostle Saint Bartholomew adhered to Your Son with sincerity of spirit. Through his intercession, may Your Church become a sacrament of salvation for all nations. Amen.
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